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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

MIKE ON KCRW: Golden Globes and the TV Critics Press Tour

Another busy week at KCRW. On this Monday's edition of The Business, Kim Masters and I bantered about several topics including:

- The Golden Globes are a few days away. What used to be a smaller awards show has become a must-attend affair.
- The Television Critics Association holds its semi-annual gathering. The big topic so far: what to do about cord cutters.
- Just a few weeks ago, Sony was on the brink of disaster and the jobs of the studio's top executives seriously at risk. But as of right now, it looks like Amy Pascal and Michael Lynton will be able to hang on to their positions.

Twice a year the Television Critics Association gathers to hear presentations from network heads and showrunners of upcoming programs. This winter's gathering is just getting started, but so far the big topic is the continued unbundling of cable and the ever increasing options for over the top streaming services, which networks are hoping appeal to millennials who aren't interested in a cable subscription. HBO and CBS announced standalone streaming services last year, and this week, Dish Network announced a $20 a month streaming service called Sling TV. The big difference with Sling is that their over the top bundle will include ESPN, the sports network frequently cited as the reason for hanging on to cable.

Last night’s Golden Globes ceremony is getting so-so reviews today. Many people say they were more staid, a.k.a. boring, than usual. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who were showered with praise for their previous hosting stints, weren’t on the stage as much this time around. We hash out the highlights and lowlights, and preview what the networks are cooking up this year in our weekly TV segment.